Cost of studying in Canada for Pakistani students on a study visa

The cost of studying in Canada for Pakistani students in 2026 is roughly CAD 44,000 to 48,000 for a first year at a lower cost college or university, about Rs 8.6 to 9.2 million. That covers tuition and fees, the CAD 23,448 living costs you must show for a study visa (study permit), and CAD 235 in government fees. The University of Toronto can cost far more.

This article is general information, not immigration advice. Via Nova gives personalised Canadian immigration advice only through its licensed RCIC partner, a regulated Canadian immigration consultant.

How much does a Canada study visa cost from Pakistan?

The government fees are small next to tuition. As of October 2026:

You give biometrics by appointment at a visa application centre in Islamabad, Karachi or Lahore. IRCC's country list marks Pakistan as a country where a medical exam is needed for stays over 6 months, so budget for one. The panel physician charges the fee, and IRCC says you pay all costs at the appointment.

How much is tuition at Canadian colleges and universities?

Statistics Canada's preliminary figures for 2026/27 put average international tuition at CAD 42,062 for undergraduate degrees and CAD 24,693 for graduate programmes. Provinces differ widely: the undergraduate average is CAD 50,088 in Ontario, CAD 40,314 in British Columbia, CAD 36,369 in Alberta and CAD 18,911 in Newfoundland and Labrador. These averages cover degree programmes, so they say little about college diplomas and certificates.

Real fees from institutions' own pages, checked on 14 October 2026:

Three points to read from this. College graduate certificates, popular after a Pakistani bachelor's, sit around CAD 17,000 to 21,000 a year. A master's is often charged per term, so multiply by the number of terms in your programme. And "tuition only" figures leave out ancillary and insurance fees, which can add a few thousand dollars. Most institutions have not yet published 2027/28 fees (Conestoga says its will appear in spring 2027), so expect some increase for a September 2027 start.

How much money do you need to show for a Canada study visa?

For applications made on or after 1 September 2026, IRCC asks a single student outside Quebec to show CAD 23,448 for living costs, about Rs 4.55 million, plus first year tuition and travel. Applications up to 31 August 2026 used CAD 22,895, so older pages are out of date. Quebec sets its own amounts.

The Islamabad visa office checklist asks for 12 months of bank statements and an explanation of any large recent deposit. A GIC from a Canadian financial institution is accepted but not compulsory, and tuition you have already paid counts towards the total. Our Canada study permit guide covers the documents, PAL and refusal reasons, and our bank statement guide explains sponsors and deposits.

Do international students get health insurance in Canada?

It depends on the province, and it is a real cost:

Where there is a waiting period or no provincial cover, your institution's plan fills the gap, and its fee is usually added to your bill.

Sample first year budget in CAD and rupees

Two hypothetical students, one in an Ontario college and one at a Newfoundland university. Living costs use IRCC's proof of funds figure, which is the minimum you must show, not a promise of what you will spend.

Not included: your flight, the medical exam, application fees and the cost of a second year. At Memorial, a double room in Paton College with a meal plan costs CAD 5,237 for fall 2026 and CAD 5,357 for winter 2027, which sits inside the living costs line if you live on campus.

Rupee totals move with the exchange rate. A 5 rupee rise in the Canadian dollar adds about Rs 220,000 to a CAD 44,000 budget, so keep a margin above the minimum.

Can part time work reduce the cost?

Eligible students can work up to 24 hours a week off campus during term and unlimited hours in scheduled breaks. That can help with day to day spending, but it does not count towards proof of funds: you must show the full first year before you apply. Via Nova does not arrange jobs or job offers.

Not sure where you stand?

Canada's real cost depends on your programme, province and family budget. Send your grades, budget and target programme to a Via Nova counsellor on WhatsApp at +92 316 4448062 for an honest view of which options fit your money. We help with programmes, budgets and documents through our Canada study visa service, and any personalised Canadian immigration advice is given through our licensed RCIC partner. Only IRCC decides your study permit.